20 Most Liked Post On Instagram of All Time [2025 Edition]

The most liked post on Instagram ever is Lionel Messi’s World Cup victory celebration, with over 74.7 million likes as of September 2025. Posted right after Argentina’s win in December 2022, the photos of Messi lifting the trophy became a global moment that broke every record.

Before Messi, the viral crown belonged to the World Record Egg in 2019 with 60.6 million likes, a simple picture that proved the internet’s love for quirky trends. Over the years, we’ve seen football legends, pop stars, and even everyday creators dominate the platform.

Here’s a look at the Top 20 most liked Instagram posts ever and how each one captured the internet’s heart.

Which is the Most Liked Post on Instagram of all time?

Lionel Messi’s World Cup victory celebration holds the record as the most liked Instagram post of all time, with over 74.7 million likes. Posted on December 18, 2022, the carousel of images showing Messi lifting the FIFA World Cup trophy after Argentina’s historic win became an instant phenomenon, reaching 10 million likes within just 39 minutes.

This monumental achievement didn’t just break Instagram records—it became the most liked social media post ever across all platforms, surpassing YouTube’s “Despacito” music video and TikTok’s viral content

Top 20 Most Liked Instagram Posts Ever

Rank	Post	Account	Likes (Millions)
1	Lionel Messi Lifting the World Cup Trophy	@leomessi	74.7M
2	The World Record Egg	@world_record_egg	60.6M
3	Messi in Bed with the World Cup Trophy	@leomessi	53.7M
4	Kishore Mondal Singing Reel	@kishore_mondal_official	50.3M
5	Insta360 Toddler Camera Video	@insta360	45.8M
6	Messi & Ronaldo Playing Chess (Louis Vuitton Ad)	@cristiano	41.6M
7	Messi on Airplane with Trophy	@leomessi	41.2M
8	Emil Reinert’s Girl Singing Reel	@emilio.piano	37.1M
9	Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce Engagement Announcement	@taylorswift, @killatrav	36.6M
10	Cristiano Ronaldo’s Icy Dip in Lapland	@cristiano	35.7M
11	XXXTentacion’s Final Post	@xxxtentacion	34.1M
12	Messi’s Celebration in Argentina	@leomessi	33.6M
13	Cristiano Ronaldo Joins Al-Nassr	@cristiano, @alnassr	33.3M
14	Ronaldo Reacts to Portugal’s Exit	@cristiano	33.2M
15	AI-Generated Sunset Reel	@jiangzhibin24	33.1M
16	Messi & Ronaldo Playing Chess (Louis Vuitton Ad)	@leomessi	32.0M
17	Cristiano Ronaldo & Georgina’s Pregnancy Announcement	@cristiano, @georginagio	31.6M
18	Baby Reel by aline_sarakbii & mostafa_srakbi	@aline_sarakbii, @mostafa_srakbi	31.5M
19	Ronaldo’s Tribute to Pelé	@cristiano	31.4M
20	pop_cj6’s Animal Mask Reel	@pop_cj6	30.6M

1. Lionel Messi Lifting the World Cup Trophy – 74.7M Likes

Account	@leomessi
Post description	Celebrating winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup
Likes	74.7M
Date posted	December 18, 2022

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi)

Lionel Messi’s World Cup celebration post officially holds the crown as Instagram’s most-liked post ever. Posted on December 18, 2022, this carousel of photos shows the Argentine footballer lifting the FIFA World Cup trophy after his team’s victory over France. The post quickly became a global phenomenon, reaching 10 million likes in just 39 minutes and hitting 50 million likes within 24 hours.

The post’s success wasn’t just about football; it represented the culmination of Messi’s career-long quest for the one trophy that had eluded him. The raw emotion captured in those images resonated with sports fans and casual observers alike, making it not just the most liked Instagram post but the most liked social media post across all platforms.

2. The World Record Egg – 60.6M Likes

Account	@world_record_egg
Post description	A simple photo of an egg
Likes	60.6M
Date posted	January 4, 2019

Before Messi’s triumph, the internet was ruled by an egg. Yes, you read that right. In January 2019, the @world_record_egg account posted a simple stock photo of an egg with the mission to “set a world record together and get the most liked post on Instagram.

Created by advertising executive Chris Godfrey and his friends, this viral experiment proved that you don’t need celebrity status to break the internet. The egg held the record for 1,436 days before Messi’s post surpassed it, demonstrating the power of community-driven viral content.

3. Messi in Bed with the World Cup Trophy – 53.7M Likes

Account	@leomessi
Post description	Messi in bed with the FIFA World Cup Trophy
Likes	53.7M
Date posted	December 20, 2022

Two days after winning the World Cup, Messi posted this adorable photo of himself in bed, cuddling with the FIFA World Cup trophy. The intimate, playful image showed a different side of the football legend—like a kid who won’t let go of his favorite toy. 

This relatable moment of pure joy struck a chord with millions, proving that even global superstars have childlike wonder. The post gained over 50 million likes, showing that authentic, unguarded moments often perform better than polished professional shots.

4. Kishore Mondal Singing Reel – 50.3M Likes

Account	@kishore_mondal_official
Post description	Reel singing “Jeene Laga Hoon”
Likes	50.3M
Date posted	April 11, 2025

This Indian content creator struck gold with a simple singing reel featuring the popular song “Jeene Laga Hoon.” Posted in April 2025, the video resonated deeply with audiences across India and beyond. 

Kishore’s authentic performance and emotional delivery touched hearts worldwide, proving that talent can go viral regardless of celebrity status. The reel’s success highlights how regional content can achieve global reach on Instagram, breaking cultural barriers through universal emotions like music and genuine expression.

5. Insta360 Toddler Camera Video – 45.8M Likes

Account	@Insta360
Post description	Video of a tiny camera filming a toddler walking
Likes	45.8M
Date posted	April 22, 2025

This mind-blowing video showcases a tiny Insta360 camera following a toddler as they walk, creating an incredible perspective that amazed viewers worldwide. The innovative technology combined with the adorable subject matter created the perfect viral storm. 

Posted in April 2025, the video demonstrated how creative use of technology can capture everyday moments in extraordinary ways. The “how did they do that?” factor drove massive engagement, with users sharing and re-watching to figure out the camera magic.

6. Messi & Ronaldo Playing Chess (Louis Vuitton Ad) – 41.6M Likes

Account	@cristiano
Post description	Messi and Ronaldo playing chess for Louis Vuitton ad
Likes	41.6M
Date posted	November 19, 2022

Just before the 2022 World Cup, Louis Vuitton created marketing magic by bringing together football’s greatest rivals, Messi and Ronaldo, for an elegant chess match photo shoot. Posted by Ronaldo on November 19, 2022, the image symbolized their legendary rivalry in a sophisticated, artistic way. 

The timing was perfect—right before the World Cup where both players would compete for the ultimate prize. The photo broke the internet because it showed these fierce competitors in a moment of mutual respect and class.

7. Messi on Airplane with Trophy – 41.2M Likes

Account	@leomessi
Post description	Messi on an airplane with the FIFA World Cup Trophy
Likes	41.2M
Date posted	December 19, 2022

The day after his World Cup victory, Messi posted this photo from the airplane ride home, holding the golden trophy with pure exhaustion and joy on his face. The image captured the quiet moment after the storm—when reality was setting in that he’d finally achieved his lifelong dream. 

Posted on December 19, 2022, this intimate shot resonated because it showed the human side of victory. Fans could see the relief and disbelief in Messi’s eyes, making this personal moment feel universal.

8. Emil Reinert’s Girl Singing Reel – 37.1M Likes

Account	@emilio.piano
Post description	Reel of a little girl singing “My Heart Will Go On”
Likes	37.1M
Date posted	September 8, 2024

Sometimes the most powerful voices come from the smallest people. This reel featuring a little girl singing “My Heart Will Go On” went viral in September 2024 for her incredible vocal talent and pure emotional delivery. 

Emil Reinert’s video captured a moment of raw, unfiltered talent that reminded viewers why music is the universal language. The child’s genuine performance, without any professional polish or staging, touched hearts worldwide and proved that authentic talent always finds its audience.

9. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Engagement Announcement – 36.6M Likes

Account	@taylorswift @killatrav
Post description	Engagement announcement
Likes	36.6M
Date posted	August 26, 2025

When two worlds collided, the internet exploded. Taylor Swift and NFL star Travis Kelce’s engagement announcement in August 2025 sent Swifties and football fans into overdrive. The romantic proposal photos in a beautiful garden setting gained 12.4 million likes in just one hour, that’s nearly 3,450 likes per second! 

The post reportedly caused some users’ Instagram to crash due to overwhelming traffic. This crossover of pop culture and sports created the perfect viral moment, uniting fanbases that rarely overlap.

10. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Icy Dip in Lapland – 35.7M Likes

Account	@cristiano
Post description	Icy dip in snowy Lapland, Finland
Likes	35.7M
Date posted	December 24, 2024

On Christmas Eve 2024, Cristiano Ronaldo shared this incredible video of himself taking an icy plunge in the snowy wilderness of Lapland, Finland. The post showed the football legend’s dedication to fitness and mental toughness even during the holidays. 

The stunning Arctic scenery combined with Ronaldo’s fearless dive into freezing water created a visually striking moment. Fans were amazed by his commitment to staying in peak condition, making this post a testament to his legendary work ethic and adventurous spirit.

11. XXXTentacion’s Final Post – 34.1M Likes

Account	@xxxtentacion
Post description	Final post before his death
Likes	34.1M
Date posted	May 19, 2018

This haunting post became even more significant after XXXTentacion’s tragic death in June 2018. Posted on May 19, 2018, it was his final post before being killed in a robbery. The simple image gained millions of likes as fans mourned the young rapper’s death and reflected on his troubled but impactful life. This Instagram post caption was ‘Love is war’.

The post serves as a digital memorial, with fans continuing to engage with it years later, showing how social media becomes a space for collective grief and remembrance.

12. Messi’s Celebration in Argentina – 33.6M Likes

Account	@leomessi
Post description	Celebrating in Argentina post World Cup win
Likes	33.6M
Date posted	December 21, 2022

Three days after winning the World Cup, Messi posted these celebration photos from Argentina, showing the massive crowds that welcomed the team home. Posted on December 21, 2022, the images captured the scale of Argentina’s joy and pride. 

Millions of fans lined the streets of Buenos Aires, creating scenes that hadn’t been witnessed since Diego Maradona’s era. The post resonated globally because it showed how sports can unite an entire nation in pure, unadulterated happiness..

13. Cristiano Ronaldo Joins Al-Nassr – 33.3M Likes

Account	@cristiano, @alnassr
Post description	Announcement of joining Al-Nassr FC
Likes	33.3M
Date posted	December 30, 2022

Just days after the World Cup ended, Cristiano Ronaldo shocked the football world by announcing his move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr FC. Posted on December 30, 2022, this announcement marked a new chapter in football history as one of the sport’s biggest stars headed to an unexpected destination. 

The post generated massive discussion about the future of football, player loyalty, and the growing influence of Middle Eastern clubs. The timing, right after the World Cup, amplified the surprise factor.

14. Ronaldo Reacts to Portugal’s Exit – 33.2M Likes

Account	@cristiano
Post description	Reaction to Portugal’s 2022 World Cup elimination
Likes	33.2M
Date posted	December 11, 2022

Sometimes the most powerful posts come from moments of defeat. After Portugal’s elimination from the 2022 World Cup, Ronaldo posted this emotional message that resonated with millions. Posted on December 11, 2022, the heartfelt reflection on dreams and disappointment showed his vulnerability. 

Fans connected with the raw emotion of someone who had given everything but fell short of their ultimate goal. The post proved that authentic emotion, even in defeat, can be more powerful than any victory celebration.

15. AI-Generated Sunset Reel – 33.1M Likes

Account	@jiangzhibin24
Post description	AI-generated sunset reel
Likes	33.1M
Date posted	August 5, 2023

This stunning reel featuring an AI-generated sunset became a viral sensation in August 2023, showcasing the incredible capabilities of artificial intelligence in creating visual art. The mesmerizing colors and otherworldly beauty captured viewers’ imagination, sparking conversations about the future of digital art and creativity. 

The post’s success highlighted society’s fascination with AI technology while proving that beautiful content, regardless of how it’s created, can still move people emotionally. It represented a new era where AI-generated content could achieve mainstream viral status.

16. Messi & Ronaldo Playing Chess (Louis Vuitton Ad) – 32.0M Likes

Account	@leomessi
Post description	Messi and Ronaldo playing chess for Louis Vuitton ad
Likes	32.0M
Date posted	November 19, 2022

Messi’s version of the iconic Louis Vuitton chess photo with Ronaldo proved that great content works from multiple angles. Posted the same day as Ronaldo’s version, November 19, 2022, this image also went massively viral. 

The fact that both players posted the same shoot shows how this collaboration transcended their individual brands. Fans loved seeing both perspectives of this historic moment where football’s greatest rivals came together in mutual respect, creating twice the viral impact for one incredible campaign.

17. Cristiano Ronaldo & Georgina’s Pregnancy Announcement – 31.6M Likes

Account	@cristiano, @georginagio
Post description	Pregnancy announcement
Likes	31.6M
Date posted	October 28, 2021

In October 2021, Cristiano Ronaldo and his partner Georgina Rodríguez announced they were expecting twins with this beautiful ultrasound photo. The post radiated pure joy and excitement about growing their family. 

Tragically, one of the twins died during childbirth, making this post even more poignant in retrospect. The announcement resonated with millions of parents worldwide who understood the excitement of expecting a child. The universal experience of family joy made this deeply personal moment feel relatable to fans globally.

Also, Georgina is considered one of the most popular Instagram models worldwide.

18. Baby Reel by aline-sarakbii & mostafa_srakbi – 31.5M Likes

Account	@aline_sarakbii, @mostafa_srakbi
Post description	Reel of a baby
Likes	31.5M
Date posted	June 10, 2024

Sometimes the simplest content creates the biggest impact. This adorable baby reel posted in June 2024 captured hearts worldwide with pure innocence and cuteness. The video’s success proves that content featuring babies and children has universal appeal, transcending cultural and language barriers. 

Parents and non-parents alike found themselves smiling at the genuine, unscripted moments that remind us of life’s simple joys. The reel’s viral success shows that authentic, heartwarming content will always find its audience in our often chaotic digital world.

19. Ronaldo’s Tribute to Pelé – 31.4M Likes

Account	@cristiano
Post description	Tribute to Pelé
Likes	31.4M
Date posted	December 29, 2022

When football legend Pelé passed away, Cristiano Ronaldo posted this touching tribute that resonated across the sports world. Posted on December 29, 2022, the heartfelt message honored one of football’s greatest icons while showing Ronaldo’s respect for the game’s history. 

The post brought together fans of all ages and teams in collective mourning for a player who transcended sport. The timing, just after Pelé’s death, captured a moment when the football community united in grief and celebration of an extraordinary life and career.

20. pop_cj6’s Animal Mask Reel – 30.6M Likes

Account	@pop_cj6
Post description	Humans removing animal masks in front of animal mothers
Likes	30.6M
Date posted	February 27, 2024

This quirky reel from February 2024 shows humans wearing animal masks approaching real animal mothers, then removing the masks to reveal their human faces. The animals’ surprised reactions created a uniquely entertaining and bizarre viral moment. 

The video’s success came from its unexpected nature and the genuine reactions of the animals, which viewers found both hilarious and heartwarming. The content proved that creative, original ideas that surprise and delight audiences can achieve massive viral success, even with simple concepts executed well.

The Legendary Egg That Started It All

Back in January 2019, the internet witnessed one of the strangest yet most iconic viral moments ever—a plain stock photo of an egg broke Instagram. The post came from the account @world_record_egg, with one simple mission: beat Kylie Jenner’s post (which had around 18 million likes at the time) and set a new world record.

And it worked. The egg didn’t just win—it completely smashed the record, pulling in over 55 million likes. No celebrity, no fancy photoshoot, just a brown egg against a white background.

The egg became a cultural phenomenon, proving that sometimes the internet rallies around the most random ideas just for fun. Even today, people remember it as the ultimate example of how unpredictable and playful social media can be.

The Psychology Behind Viral Instagram Content 

After analyzing these record-breaking posts, several key patterns emerge:

Emotional Connection

The most successful posts tap into raw, authentic emotions. Whether it’s Messi’s tears of joy, a child’s innocent song, or a tribute to a beloved figure, emotional resonance drives engagement across all demographics

Perfect Timing

Timing is everything in viral content. Messi’s post went live just hours after the World Cup final, when global excitement was at its peak. The egg capitalized on a specific cultural moment when users wanted to participate in breaking a record.

Universal Appeal

Posts that transcend language barriers, cultural differences, and age groups have the highest viral potential. Sports victories, cute animals, and heartfelt moments speak to universal human experiences.

Authenticity Over Production Value

Authentic moments often outperform highly produced content. Messi’s candid celebration photos and the simple egg image prove that genuine emotion beats polished perfection

Final thoughts

When you look at these record-breaking posts, one thing is crystal clear—social media runs on emotion. Sometimes it’s Messi finally holding the World Cup, sometimes it’s a random egg, and sometimes it’s just a cute reel that makes everyone smile. The biggest hits aren’t always the fanciest posts, they’re the ones that feel real, raw, and perfectly timed.

It also says a lot about us as a culture. We rally behind sports heroes, laugh at internet stunts, and melt over babies or pets. Instagram isn’t just about pictures, it’s about moments that bring people together, no matter where they’re from.

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